M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS July – December 2018 M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
, a National Historic Landmark, was begun by Henri Joseph Stier, a wealthy immigrant from Antwerp, in 1801. After his return to Europe, his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband, George Calvert, made it their home. Mrs. Calvert’s correspondence tells the story of this family and their elegant house, a story that is an integral part of the history of Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and the nation. Today, this historic house museum of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission offers regular tours and special programs throughout the year. Riversdale opened its doors as a museum 25 years ago. Celebrate with us as you view silver from our collection in the exhibit, A Shining Silver Anniversary. In 1809, Mrs. Calvert wrote her sister, “Do you frequent the theatre regularly? Of all the public pleasures, that’s the one I miss the most.” In July, enjoy a FREE performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Calverts’ lawn. In August 1814, Mrs. Calvert wrote, “We have been in a state of continual alarm” as the Battle of Bladensburg raged a few miles away. Join War of 1812 troops as they drill on the grounds. Daughter Caroline Calvert had fond memories of her Stier grandparents. In September, make memories with your grandparents by treating them to a FREE tour on Family Fun Day with the Grandparents. Everyone can have a FREE tour courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live. The Calverts had to be resourceful to provide for those who lived at Riversdale. Daisy Scouts can earn their Clover Use Resources Wisely Petal in September. Mrs. Calvert’s family in Europe kept her up-to-date on the latest fashions. Find out how her American sisters also kept up in the exhibit, Connecting American Women to European Fashion. In October, wear your period finery and tour the house for half price. Join us for three FREE Jazz on the Lawn concerts this summer and two FREE Chamber Concerts this fall. Families can learn more about 19th century art and science at our November STEAMuseum. Our demonstration garden provides produce for the Kitchen Guild to prepare for Seasonal Selections on selected Sundays. Enjoy fall activities with the Guild and our gardener at our Harvest Festival. In early December, come for Breakfast with Sint Niklaas. Continue the merriment during Riversdale by Candlelight and bring the season to a close at our annual Twelfth Night Ball.
Riversdale Historical Society Annual Membership n $20 Student n $100 Portico Society
n $35 Individual n $250 CB's Circle
n $60 Household n $500 Rosalie's Circle
name n address
a
VISA/MasterCard accepted. Please make checks payable to Riversdale Historical Society and mail to: Treasurer, Riversdale Historical Society, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD 20737. Contributions are tax deductible. www.riversdale.org
The Riversdale Historical Society The Riversdale Historical Society is the volunteer support organization for the museum. The society raises funds for restoration and interpretive projects, trains docents who conduct tours, and operates the Museum Shop. Your membership in the society ensures that this historic site will continue to be a source of pride.
From the Garden to the Kitchen: Seasonal Selections Come see Kitchen Guild volunteers cooking over the open hearth using produce harvested that morning and take a stroll through the garden. FREE with paid admission. Sundays: July 8, 22; September 9, 23; October 14, 28; November 11.
Volunteer Opportunities Immerse yourself in history! As volunteers, you’ll dive right into the behind-the-scenes action as you share the story of Riversdale. No experience is necessary—we’ll provide training. Docents lead guided tours of the museum. Education docents assist with school and Scout programs. Or you can work in the garden or museum shop or join the Kitchen Guild cooking in the Dependency.
july– de c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 C a le n da r of E V E N TS
Saturday, August 11
Noon
Battle of Bladensburg Encampment
The encampment returns with a bang this year as War of 1812 troops ready the cannon and prepare for battle. Step back into 1814 with an afternoon of hands-on demos, children’s activities, tours, and more! Snacks available for purchase. Scouts, call for details about earning a badge. FREE admission to grounds; $3 fee for house tours
Sunday, September 9
12:15 pm
Family Fun Day with the Grandparents
Treat your grandparents to a FREE tour on their special day and do a family activity. Note: Limited to one FREE tour per paid admission.
Sunday, September 22
11 am -1 pm
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!
Riversdale is joining museums across the country to open its doors for FREE during this annual event. Find out more and print the required ticket here: smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
TO REGISTER: Visit pgparksdirect.com and search on RM.
Or call us at 301-864-0420. * Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Please note that popular programs where reservations are required may sell out prior to the registration deadline noted.
Saturday, September 29
11 am
Daisy Girl Scout Day
Blast into the past and earn your Daisy Clover Petal! Learn how the Calverts used their resources wisely in the nineteenth century and how you can now. Capacity is limited; registration required by September 21. To allow as many Daisies as possible, no tagalongs, please. Fee: $10 per Scout
Sunday, October 14
Noon - 3:30 pm
Harvest Festival
Enjoy some fall family fun—pick a pumpkin to decorate, get your face painted, help the cooks in the kitchen, and more. Activities while supplies last. Fee: $4 (includes tour of historic house)
Sunday, October 21
2:30 pm
Riversdale Chamber Music Society
Enjoy a performance by talented area musicians and mingle with them at a reception. Program to be announced. FREE
Sunday, October 28
12:15 – 3:15 pm
The Latest Fashion
Come during regular open hours dressed in your Regency or Federal era finery to view the costume exhibit and tour the house for half price. Fee (in period attire): $2.50 adult; $2 senior; $1 student
Saturday, November 3
7:30 pm
A Taste of Amontillado As you are guided through the house, stop along the way to hear eerie stories and partake of appropriate victuals, wines, and spirits. For ages 21 and up. Advance registration required by October 26. Fee: $15 TO REGISTER: Visit pgparksdirect.com and search on RM.
Or call us at 301-864-0420.
Sunday, November 11
12:15 - 3:15 pm
STEAMuseum
We’ve added Art to the Maryland STEM Fest and invite families to learn about arts and sciences 19th century-style with hands-on activities throughout the house. FREE; advance registration required by November 2
Sunday, December 2
2:30 pm
Riversdale Chamber Music Society
Enjoy another performance by talented area musicians and mingle with them at a reception. Program to be announced. FREE.
Saturday, December 8
9 & 11 am
Breakfast with Sint Niklaas
Join the kindly bishop as he makes his annual visit to Riversdale! He brings festive traditions like a Belgian-inspired breakfast and gifts for children. Children ages 3-10. Advance payment required by November 26; sorry no walk-ins. Resident*: $10 child; $7 adult | Non-Resident: $13 child; $9 adult
Saturday, December 29
6 - 9 pm
Riversdale by Candlelight
Residents from Riversdale’s past welcome guests to the candlelit museums for tours, refreshments, music, and children’s activities. Fee: $5 adult; FREE children 12 & under with a paid admission
TO REGISTER: Visit pgparksdirect.com and search on RM.
Or call us at 301-864-0420.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
7:30 pm
Twelfth Night Ball
Cap off the holiday season in festive style at our Regency ball and supper. Period attire is admired but not required; black tie also welcome. Register early. Capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $50; Non-Resident $65
On Exhibit July 6 –September 23
A Shining Silver Anniversary Riversdale opened its doors as a museum 25 years ago. We celebrate with an exhibit of silver pieces and related documents from our collection—items found in the house, donations from Calvert family members, and donated and purchased period antiques.
October 5 – December 30
“A Half Dozen of the Latest Fashion Drawings:” Connecting American Women to European Fashion In her last letter to her sister, Rosalie Calvert asked for “the latest fashion drawings” from European publications. In this exhibit, we explore ways that American women connected with fashion trends across the ocean. Exhibits are on view during regular tour hours Fridays and Sundays, 12:15–3:15 pm. Tours for groups of 10 or more may be arranged at any time by appointment. Regular tour fees apply.
Summer on the Lawn Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your picnic basket to enjoy an evening of entertainment. In the case of rain, concerts move inside. July 25: Seth Kibel, 7 PM August 8: Brûlée, 7 PM August 22: Susan Jones and the Extension Chords, 7 PM These performances are made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Greetings from LOCATION: 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, Maryland, 2 blocks south of MD
Route 410, between Kenilworth Ave. and U.S. Route 1, about 1-1/2 miles south of the University of Maryland–College Park.
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95/495 to Exit 23, Route 201, Kenilworth Avenue, South.
Continue approximately 3 miles. Turn right on MD Route 410, East-West Highway. Proceed 1/2 mile and follow brown Riversdale signs.
OFFICE/VISITOR CENTER HOURS: Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm TOURS AND FEES: Year round, Friday and Sunday, 12:15– 3:15 pm. Tours begin at
the Visitor Center every half hour, and the last tour begins at 3:15. Fees: $5/adults, $4/seniors (age 60 & up) & group tours for 10 or more, $2/ages 5–18 and students with valid ID, FREE/ages 4 & under.
GROUP TOURS for 10 or more any time by appointment. Riversdale is available for special events and meetings of no more than 75 people. THE RIVERSDALE MUSEUM SHOP, open during tour hours, features a distinctive
assortment of books, gifts, and toys.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports
the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
INFORMATION: 301-864-0420 / TTY 301-699-2544 / FAX 301-927-3498
E-MAIL Riversdale@pgparks.com / WEB: history.pgparks.com ppc-pr nhrd 7/18 Find us on Facebook Badge
CMYK / .ai
facebook.com/PGParksHistory twitter.com/pgparks instagram.com/pgparksandrec youtube.com/user/pgparksandrecreation